Turning Equity into Opportunity: A Modern Legacy for the Next Generation
If you’re a homeowner, chances are you’ve built up a surprising amount of wealth — just by living in your home and watching its value grow over the years. That equity? It’s more than just numbers on a statement. It could be the key to changing your child’s life.
Today’s housing market is still challenging, especially for first-time buyers. Even those with good jobs and solid financial habits are struggling to get their foot in the door. High home prices, interest rates, and the sheer task of saving for a down payment can feel like an uphill climb. But here’s the part that gets exciting: your equity might be able to bridge that gap.
According to Cotality, the average homeowner with a mortgage has around $311,000 in equity.
That’s no small thing. And more and more parents are choosing to tap into that wealth — not just to live more comfortably, but to empower their children to become homeowners too.
In fact, Bank of America reports that 49% of buyers aged 18 to 26 received help from their parents toward their down payment. While the data doesn’t specify whether that help came directly from home equity, the financial foundation provided by homeownership is clearly making an impact. Source: mykcm.com
Let’s bring this down from stats to real life.
Recently, I had the privilege of working with a couple that have done very well for themselves. Built a business. Made smart investments. And like many parents, they’ve watched their millennial children work hard… and still struggle to save enough to break into the housing market. So….
Rather than waiting for their kids to inherit their wealth someday down the road, they thought: Why not share it now, when it can make the most difference?
They decided to use a portion of their equity to help with a down payment — giving their children a meaningful head start. The kids still cover the monthly mortgage, taxes, insurance, and HOA. They’ve got skin in the game. But that equity gift made all the difference between “maybe one day” and “we got the house.”
Now, I get it
Some parents might be thinking, “I want my kids to earn it.” And honestly, I agree. There’s real value in working for what you have. But giving them a leg up on the down payment doesn’t take that away. In fact, it shows them what’s possible when you combine hard work with smart support. And when the kids are grateful, respectful, and responsible — well, helping them just feels right.
Let’s face it: equity is power. But what makes it powerful isn’t just what it adds to your net worth — it’s what you choose to do with it. Passing on that wealth while you’re still around to see the impact? That’s a legacy. And it’s one that can shift the trajectory of a whole new generation.
Here’s something that stuck with me: 45% of Americans who received financial help from parents or grandparents said they couldn’t have bought a home without it (Compare the Market).
That’s not just support — that’s a lifeline.
Turn your wealth into a meaningful legacy.
Contact the Lauren Paris Group today & discover what we can do for you.
